SAINTS will welcome back Lachlan Coote, Tommy Makinson, Jonny Lomax and James Roby for Sunday’s trip to Hull KR, while Morgan Knowles returns from a one-match suspension.
Although Saints coped more than adequately with their absences to beat Catalans on Sunday, coach Justin Holbrook has no hesitation out bringing those key men back in for this tricky away clash.
Long term casualties Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Luke Thompson and Mark Percival will remain sidelined for a further five to six weeks, but the strength of the squad over Easter has given Holbrook faith in those who have stepped up.
Although delighted with those young players who stepped up, Holbrook said: “It is great that everyone has shown that they want to be in the side and put their best foot forward to stay in the team, but you obviously Robes, Cootey, Tommy and Jonny all come back in, which is great.”
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There are still tough selection headaches ver whether Matty Costello has done enough to earn a centre spot, or whether Adam Swift’s displays on the wing mean that Makinson continues at centre.
And Danny Richardson hugely improved performance was certainly an announcement to keep fit-gain Theo Fages on his toes.
“It is the most pleasing thing as a coach to say that you have competition for spots, and I would much rather have that.
“But the hard thing is to tell someone they are not playing when they have been part of something that has been winning. I would rather have it that way – even if it is the hardest part of the job.
“Danny has got better each week and he is already a confident young player.
“It has been good for him to get his opportunity and play four games in a row.
“He did a great job for us,” Holbrook said.
The players have been given three days off this week, and will be back in training on Thursday.
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